Similar to New Year's resolutions, Lenten resolutions have a tendency to be set intentionally and then lack the purposeful follow through needed to actually keep them. We have great aspirations for ourselves after deep thought that often lack follow through. With that in mind, I want to share one my Lenten additions with you to help you check in with how you are doing thus far!

Ignatian spirituality includes a daily examen that reflects on the past day (or in this case past few weeks) with great intention and the help of the Holy Spirit. Something I really love about the examen is that it does not just focus on the negative of our day, but also encourages us to reflect on and relish the good in each day. Just follow these 5 R's:

Request the Holy Spirit to be with you as you begin your reflection, I like to use the general phrase "Come, Holy Spirit" and then ask for help

Relish in the good of the day, whatever it is: time with family, overcoming a difficult moment, a particularly good moment at work or school.

Reflect on the moments that did not go well: moments in which we succumbed to temptation. Be honest with yourself, ask the Holy Spirit to help you see truthfully and lovingly so that you can acknowledge moments of sinfulness without becoming scrupulous.

Repent by making a sincere Act of Contrition (however you learned it) or you can use this one here

​Resolve to do better tomorrow, with the grace of God. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you through tomorrow, helping you to grow in whatever gifts you need to help you become the better version of yourself you are striving for.

Using this basic format, take time to relish and reflect, repent, and then resolve to do better for the remainder of Lent. God doesn't demand perfection from us, only that we continue to strive to do better each day in pursuit of a more whole relationship with our loving Creator.

Don't give into the temptation to just give up because Lent hasn't gone the way you intended so far. Make a prayer of contrition and penance and then firmly resolve to do better each and every day.

Feel free to browse that Categories to the right for more great reads and keep an eye for another post soon! Thank you for all your support here as we continue to strive to live a more fully Catholic life.

I can hardly believe it but friends, Lent begins a week from today! Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, a day of fasting and abstinence. Oftentimes, Lent sneaks up on me and suddenly it is Ash Wednesday and I haven't thought deeply about what I plan to give up or add to my life to help myself better prepare for Jesus's glorious Resurrection on Easter Sunday! But we have a week to prepare and plan for an intentional Lenten experience that will truly prep our souls to celebrate the Easter season joyfully and fully aware of what Easter truly means for us as Catholics.

Take Time to Reflect Before next Wednesday, take time to reflect on where you are at in your spiritual journey.

Are you praying regularly?

Are you attending Mass regularly?

What are stumbling blocks right now in your life?

Is your faith a primary part of your life?

Do you put Jesus first?

Are you fulfilling your vocation to the best of your abilities?

Pen and paper reflecting might be really helpful here, enabling you to create a tangible list of things that are going well and not so well in your faith life. Another good place to reflect would be in Adoration. Take quiet time in prayer with Christ, asking Him to help you identify what is interfering with your relationship with Him. We don't all have the time or ability to go spend an hour or two with Christ, but ten to fifteen minutes of quiet, mindful contemplation will go a long to help you prepare for what your Lenten focus needs to be.

CommunicateAfter you've reflected and identified a few patterns of sin or an area that you've grown stagnant and lukewarm, its time to communicate your intentions with those around you. Its very easy to notice what's wrong, but it is another thing entirely to make serious, intentional changes in your life. Turn to your spouse, your best friend, your spiritual counselor, or accountability partner to help you stay committed throughout the upcoming forty days. They may also have great advice for you to help you make the changes you're wanting to make! People who know and love you well may have deep thoughts and advice that can help you decide what your next steps should be.

Plan AccordinglyAfter prayer and intentional communication with those who love you and want the best for you, God and others, I want to encourage you to plan accordingly.

What needs to be added to your life to improve your relationship with Christ?

What are things that should be subtracted to help keep your focus on Christ?

How will you focus on the goals of Lent (prayer, fasting, and giving alms)?

Your daily and weekly schedules may need to be adjusted to allow more time with God throughout the forty days of Lent

If you're in charge of the weekly menu, what changes need to be made to help you and your family maintain the periods of fasting (less food) and abstinence (no meat)

Look over your finances and find space to give to the Church, your Diocese, and other charities you feel strongly about

Finally, settle on a final goal. When Lent is done, where do you want to be? Find a quote that reminds you of what you're shooting for. Choose a Bible verse that will help you maintain your commitment to this holy season of life.

Lent's just around the corner sister, don't let it sneak up on you and don't let a lack of preparation be an excuse for you to not fully participate!

Tota tua.

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